Light analyzer apparatus

ABSTRACT

A light analysis system for analyzing light transmitted through an ampoule includes a housing having at least one receptacle for the ampoule, a cover for substantially preventing ambient light from affecting the receptacle and having an interior reflective surface, and a master control system. Each receptacle includes at least one light source and a photodetector positioned such that the light from the light source passes through the receptacle (and thereby the ampoule and its contents) prior to entering the photodetector. According to one preferred aspect of the invention, the receptacles are provided preferably at a 30° to 45° angle relative to vertical. According to another preferred aspect of the invention, the light source is at least one LED which is directed to transmit light upward into the reflective surface of the cover such that the light is reflected by the cover downward into the receptacle toward the photodetector. The master control system permits user input, operates the light analysis system, and provides a user-readable display for the output of the results of the light analysis of the contents of the ampoule in the receptacle. The apparatus may include a large number of receptacles suitable for laboratory use or may include fewer or one receptacle suitable for home or portable use. Power supply circuitry is provided facilitating the use of the apparatus in a variety of environments.

[0001] This application is related to co-pending application Ser. No.09/557,653 entitled “Incubation System for a Light Analyzer Apparatus”,filed Apr. 25, 2000, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein inits entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] 1. Field of the Invention

[0003] This invention relates broadly to analytical instruments. Moreparticularly, this invention relates to light analysis and power systemsfor an analyzer apparatus.

[0004] 2. State of the Art

[0005] Analysis systems require that a test sample be subject to lightanalysis to determine the contents or a change in contents of thesample. For example, water test kits are used to determine thebacteriological activity within water. In some water test kits, a watersample is taken in an ampoule containing an enzyme or reagent, therebycausing a calorimetric change to the water. The light transmittedthrough the water sample is then measured to determine the contents ofthe ampoule.

[0006] While the prior art does include a number of analysis systems,such existing systems have a number of serious drawbacks. First, manyanalyzers are often bulky. The bulk reduces the portability of thedevice and inhibits the use of such a device in the field. In fact, mostanalyzers are not intended to be portable and therefore generally havelimitations on the type of power input which can be used to power thesystem.

[0007] Second, where light is axially transmitted through an ampoulecontaining a sample, a large number of components are often required atboth ends of the ampoule for light emission and light detection.However, this configuration requires a relatively larger apparatus andalso requires that the circuitry be spread out throughout the apparatus.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] It is therefore an object of the invention to provide anapparatus which centralizes all componentry of the light emission anddetection system.

[0009] It is another object of the invention to provide a light analysisapparatus which is substantially free from error due to ambient light.

[0010] It is also an object of the invention to provide a light analysisapparatus which is capable of operating with a variety of power sources.

[0011] It is a further object of the invention to provide a portable andrelatively low cost light analysis apparatus.

[0012] In accord with these objects, which will be discussed in detailbelow, a light analysis system for analyzing light transmitted throughan ampoule is provided. The light analysis system includes a housinghaving at least one receptacle (or nest) for an ampoule, a cover forsubstantially preventing ambient light from affecting each receptacleand having an interior reflective surface, and a master control system.Each receptacle includes at least one light source and a photodetectorpositioned such that the light from the light source passes through thereceptacle (and thereby the ampoule and its contents) prior to enteringthe photodetector. According to one preferred aspect of the invention,the receptacles are provided preferably at a 30° to 45° angle relativeto vertical. According to another preferred aspect of the invention, thelight source is at least one LED which is directed to transmit lightupward into the reflective surface of the cover such that the light isreflected by the cover downward into the receptacle toward thephotodetector.

[0013] The master control system permits user input, operates the lightanalysis system, and provides a user-readable output which displays theresults of the analysis of the contents of the ampoule in thereceptacle.

[0014] The apparatus may include a large number of receptacles suitablefor laboratory use or may include fewer or even a single receptaclesuitable for home or portable use. Power supply circuitry is providedfacilitating the use of the apparatus in a variety of environments,e.g., in the field, in a laboratory, or in a vehicle.

[0015] Additional objects and advantages of the invention will becomeapparent to those skilled in the art upon reference to the detaileddescription taken in conjunction with the provided figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016]FIG. 1 is a partial front view of the light analysis apparatus ofthe invention;

[0017]FIG. 2 is a top view of the apparatus of the invention without thecase lid;

[0018]FIG. 3 is a partial side view of the apparatus of the inventionshowing the case lid in open and closed positions;

[0019]FIG. 4 is a partial schematic circuit diagram of a master controlsystem of the apparatus of the invention;

[0020]FIG. 5 is a partial side view of an ampoule receptacle accordingto the invention;

[0021]FIG. 6 is a partial front view of an ampoule receptacle accordingto the invention;

[0022]FIG. 7 is a schematic of a power source for the light analysissystem of the invention; and

[0023]FIG. 8 is a partial side view of a second embodiment of an ampoulereceptacle according to the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0024] Turning now to FIGS. 1 through 3, an ampoule incubator andanalyzer 10 according to the invention includes a housing 12 havingpreferably six receptacles (nests) 14, each for receiving an ampoule 16,and preferably a housing lid 17 movable between closed and open (brokenlines) positions. The housing 12 preferably also includes a preferablyplanar lower surface 15 which is adapted to seat the housing on a planarsurface, and a storage area 19 for storing ampoules or other items. Areceptacle cover 18 in an open position provides access to thereceptacles and in a closed position 18 a substantially individuallyseals each receptacle to prevent ambient light from affecting thereceptacle. The receptacle cover 18 preferably includes a plurality ofconcave portions 21 each having a diffuse reflective interior surface 20which reflects and distributes light from a light source, discussedbelow, through the receptacles.

[0025] Referring to FIG. 4, the analyzer 10 also includes a mastercontrol system 24. The master control system 24, which includes amicrocontroller 58, generally permits user input through control buttons30 and provides information to a user-readable display 32 and a signalto an audio output 33 comprised of a driver chip 33 a and a soundtransducer 33 b for the output of the results of testing with theanalyzer. The master control system 24 also operates, for eachreceptacle, the associated light source and an optical detector,discussed in detail below. A power supply 34 including a battery 35 andappropriate circuitry 36 to power the various systems is also provided(FIG. 7).

[0026] Referring to FIG. 3, more particularly, each receptacle is anopaque tube; e.g., metal or plastic, approximately 0.5-0.625 inch indiameter, and preferably approximately four inches in length. Turning toFIGS. 5 and 6, a transparent preferably cleanable disk 38, preferablyglass or polycarbonate, is provided near a lower end 14 a of thereceptacle. The closed end 16 a of the ampoule 16 is provided near thedisk 38 (FIGS. 5 and 6), with the open end 16 b of the ampoule at theupper end 14 b of the receptacle (FIG. 3). An O-ring 40 provides awatertight seal between the disk 38 and the interior surface of thereceptacle 14. A weep hole 41 is provided in the receptacle adjacent butabove the location of the disk 38 to permit any water, test solution, orcleaning/sterilization solution which may drip into the receptacle 14 todrain therefrom.

[0027] Referring to FIGS. 3 through 6, the receptacles 14 are attachedto a printed circuit board (PCB) 42, e.g., by screws 43, preferably suchthat a longitudinal axis of each receptacle runs parallel to the planeof the PCB. Each receptacle 14 is provided with a light source 44 and anoptical detector 46, each coupled to the master controller 24. Both thelight source 44 and optical detector 46 are also preferably physicallycoupled to the PCB 42. The light source 44, preferably including one ormore LEDs, is adapted to emit light into the receptacle 14 whenreceiving a signal 45 from the master controller 24. In accord with apreferred aspect of the invention, the light source is a plurality ofLEDs 44 coupled to the PCB 42 in an orientation such that they directlight into the reflective interior surface 20 of the associated portion21 of the cover 18 of housing 12. The reflective surface 20 scatters thelight of the LEDs 44 through the ampoule 16 in the receptacle 14 andtoward the detector 46 located at the lower end 14 a of the receptacle(FIG. 3). A preferably hemispherical lens 48 is preferably provided togather the scattered light and channel the light transmitted through theampoule 16 toward the detector 46 (FIGS. 5 and 6). The optical detector46 provides a signal 47 to the microcontroller 58 which analyzes thesignal.

[0028] Referring to FIG. 3, the receptacles are preferably provided atan oblique, non-perpendicular angle relative to both the vertical andthe horizontal, e.g., 30° to 45° off vertical, by angling thereceptacles relative to the lower surface 15 of the housing 12. Theangle of the receptacles facilitates light transmission through theampoules by preventing sediment from accumulating on the entire bottomof the ampoule and thereby blocking all light paths between thereflective surface 20 and the optical detector 46. Moreover, an ampoulesoften includes a stirring rod which will settle outside a direct axiallight path when the receptacles are angled. As the receptacles arepreferably coupled to the PCB 42, one preferred manner of providing theangle is to orient the entire PCB at the desired angle relative tovertical within the housing 12. The above described configuration of thelight source 44, optical detector 46, and orientation of the receptacles14 provides a system in which all componentry is preferably provided ator below the level of the top of the ampoule 16. This configurationfacilitates sealing the receptacles from ambient light, with thereflective surface 20 of the cover providing the redirection of thelight into the required path through the receptacle and ampoule. Inaddition, as the cover is capable of reflecting the light, the need forseparate reflectors is obviated and a system with fewer components, andtherefore lower cost, is provided.

[0029] The light source may be adapted to emit light at one or morewavelengths according to any known analysis system in the art. Forexample, all LEDs in the light source may emit the same wavelength, orthe light source may include LEDs which emit light at differentwavelengths. The master control system may be operated to cause all theLEDs to emit light constantly, alternatingly, or to be pulsed. Themaster control system may be programmed to operate the light system forphotometric or calorimetric analysis, which are described in variousforms and in detail in U.S. Pat. No. 5,959,738 to Hafeman et al., U.S.Pat. No. 5,903,346 to Rinke et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,770,389 to Ching etal., U.S. Pat. No. 5,307,144 to Hiroshi et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,013,155to Rybak, U.S. Pat. No. 4,392,746 to Rook et al., U.S. Pat. No.4,027,979 to Komarniski, U.S. Pat. No. 3,994,590 to Di Martini et al.,U.S. Pat. No. 3,877,817 to Ralston, which are hereby incorporated byreference herein in their entireties.

[0030] According to another preferred aspect of the invention, theanalyzer 10 may be provided with circuitry to permit the use of a widevariety of power sources, e.g., AC current, car batteries, standardoutlets, to facilitate use wherever required. Referring to FIG. 7, thepower supply 34 includes a circuit 35 including a bridge rectifier 60which receives AC or DC power. The AC power can be from 9V to 18V with aplug transformer, and the DC power can be a battery having ±9V to ±16V.The bridge rectifier 60 functions as a polarity guard and rectifies allthe voltage to a positive value. The power is sent from the bridgerectifier 60 to a switching regulator 62. The switching regulator 62 isa DC to DC converter which handles the required range of possible inputvoltages and provides a substantially constant output of approximately 7volts. After the switching regulator 62, a solid state power switch 64,e.g., an FET, is provided for operating the analyzer. In addition, apath 65 from a battery charger controller 66 to the power switch 64 isalso provided. When the power switch 64 is in a closed position, the 7Vfrom the switching regulator passes through the switch 64 and to a lowdropout voltage regulator 68 which consistently produces 5V which issent to all circuits in the apparatus. When the power switch 64 is in anopen position, the battery charger controller 66 receives the 7V fromthe switching regulator 62 and operates to charge the battery 36. Thisis facilitated through a voltage control feedback 67 which charges thebattery to a maximum charge without overcharging to thereby enhance theperformance and life of the battery. The battery 36 is preferably a 6V,7 amp/hour storage battery. A diode 69 is provided between the batterycharger controller 66 and the switching regulator 62 to preventdischarge of the battery 36 when the power switch 64 is open and nopower input is across the regulator 62. When the power switch 64 is in aclosed position and the apparatus is disconnected from an AC or externalDC power source, the battery 36 provides 6V to the voltage regulator 68,which is then converted to transistor logic, e.g., 5V, to power thecircuits. As the voltage regulator 68 is a low dropout regulator, itconsistently produces 5V at 70 and does not require substantial headroomto regulate down. Therefore, even as the charge on the battery isdecreased through usage, e.g., to 5.25V, the regulator still operates toproduce a constant transistor logic. According to the invention, a 6V, 7amp/hour storage battery conditioned by the battery charger controller66 can continuously operate the master control system 24 and the lightanalysis systems and all other circuitry for six receptacles for atleast seventeen hours.

[0031] Turning now to FIG. 8, according to another embodiment of theinvention, substantially similar to the first (with like parts havingnumbers incremented by 100), the receptacle 114 is a tubular memberhaving a closed end 114 a defined by a hinged end cap 180. The hingedend cap 180 is rotatable about a hinge 182 between closed 180 and open180 a positions. The photoreceptor 146 and disk 138 are provided in theend cap 180. The receptacle 114 is preferably oriented within thehousing such that the end cap 180 is provided adjacent a side of thehousing (i.e., preferably not located on the bottom of the housing) suchthat the end cap does not interfere with stable seating of the lightanalysis system. When the end cap is in the open position, access intothe interior of the receptacle is provided. As such, the receptacle isadapted to be cleaned without the use of a weep hole, as required in thefirst embodiment, and the potential problem of what to do with fluiddraining from a weep hole.

[0032] There have been described and illustrated herein an embodiment ofa light analysis system. While a particular embodiment of the inventionhas been described, it is not intended that the invention be limitedthereto, as it is intended that the invention be as broad in scope asthe art will allow and that the specification be read likewise. Thus,while LEDs have been disclosed for the light source, it will beappreciated that other light sources may be used as well. In addition,while the apparatus has been described with six independently operablereceptacles, the apparatus may include a larger number (e.g., 24 to 36)of receptacles such that it is suitable for laboratory use or mayinclude fewer or even a single receptacle suitable for home or portableuse. It will therefore be appreciated by those skilled in the art thatyet other modifications could be made to the provided invention withoutdeviating from its spirit and scope as claimed.

1. A light analysis system, comprising: a) a housing having a lowersurface and a cover having an interior reflective surface and movablebetween open and closed positions; b) at least one receptacle in saidhousing having first and second ends and defining a longitudinal axis;c) for each said receptacle, a light source which emits light; and d)for each said receptacle, a light detector which detects said lightemitted by said light source, wherein when said cover is in said openposition access is provided to said at least one receptacle, and whensaid cover is in said closed position, said cover substantially preventsambient light from entering said at least one receptacle and saidreflective surface reflects said light toward said light detector.
 2. Alight analysis system according to claim 1, wherein: said longitudinalaxis of each said receptacle is oriented at an oblique,non-perpendicular angle relative to said lower surface.
 3. A lightanalysis system according to claim 2, wherein: said angle is between 30°and 45° relative to a perpendicular to said lower surface.
 4. A lightanalysis system according to claim 2, wherein: said angle is between 30°and 45° relative to vertical.
 5. A light analysis system according toclaim 1, further comprising: e) a printed circuit board to which said atleast one receptacle and its associated light source and light detectorare coupled.
 6. A light analysis system according to claim 1, wherein:for each said receptacle, said light source is oriented to emit saidlight in a direction which is non-axial with said longitudinal axis. 7.A light analysis system according to claim 1, wherein: for each saidreceptacle, said second end includes said light detector and a seat onwhich an ampoule can be seated.
 8. A light analysis system according toclaim 1, wherein: for each said receptacle, said second end includes alight gathering lens and said light detector.
 9. A light analysis systemaccording to claim 1, wherein: said light source comprises at least oneLED.
 10. A light analysis system according to claim 1, furthercomprising: e) a control system which permits user operation of saidlight analysis system.
 11. A light analysis system according to claim 1,further comprising: e) circuitry adapted to regulate and convert an ACor DC voltage source to a consistent DC voltage, said consistent DCvoltage powering said light source and said light detector.
 12. A lightanalysis system according to claim 1, wherein: said interior reflectivesurface includes a concave reflective portion for each of said at leastone receptacle.
 13. A light analysis system according to claim 1,wherein: each said receptacle comprises a tubular portion and an endcap, said end cap being rotatable relative to said tubular portion suchthat when rotated into an open position access into said tubular portionis provided.
 14. A light analysis system according to claim 13, wherein:each said end cap includes a respective said light detector.
 15. A lightanalysis system restable on a surface, comprising: a) a housing; b) atleast one receptacle in said housing having first and second ends anddefining a longitudinal axis, said longitudinal axis being at an anglerelative to vertical when said system is resting on the surface; c) foreach said receptacle, a light source which emits light; and d) for eachsaid receptacle, a light detector which detects said light emitted bysaid light source, wherein when said cover is in said open positionaccess is provided to said at least one receptacle, and when said coveris in said closed position, said cover substantially prevents ambientlight from entering said at least one receptacle and said reflectivesurface reflects said light toward said light detector.
 16. A lightanalysis system according to claim 15, wherein: said angle is 30°-45°relative to vertical.
 17. A light analysis system according to claim 15,further comprising: e) a printed circuit board, said at least onereceptacle being attached to said printed circuit board.
 18. A lightanalysis system according to claim 15, wherein: each said receptaclecomprises a tubular portion and an end cap, said end cap being rotatablerelative to said tubular portion such that when rotated into an openposition access into said tubular portion is provided.
 19. A lightanalysis system according to claim 18, wherein: each said end capincludes a respective said light detector.
 20. A light analysis system,comprising: a) at least one receptacle; b) for each said receptacle, alight source which emits light; c) for each said receptacle, a lightdetector which detects said light emitted by said light source; d) amicrocontroller which controls said light source and said lightdetector; and e) a power supply circuit which supplies a constantvoltage to said microcontroller, said power supply circuit including i)a bridge rectifier which receives an AC or DC power input and provides arectified output therefrom, ii) a switching regulator coupled to saidbridge rectifier which receives said rectified output and generates asubstantially constant DC voltage therefrom, iii) a voltage regulatorcoupled to said switching regulator which receives said substantiallyconstant DC voltage and generates a transistor logic voltage therefrom,and iv) a power switch coupled between said switching regulator and saidvoltage regulator.
 21. A light analysis system according to claim 20,wherein: said bridge rectifier is adapted to receive an 9V to 18V withan AC plug transformer and ±9V to ±16V DC power.
 22. A light analysissystem according to claim 20, wherein: said substantially constant DCvoltage is approximately 7 volts.
 23. A light analysis system accordingto claim 20, wherein: said transistor logic voltage is approximately 5V.24. A light analysis system according to claim 20, wherein: said powersupply circuit includes iv) a battery charger controller coupled betweensaid switching regulator and said power switch.
 25. A light analysissystem according to claim 24, wherein: said battery charger controlleris coupled to a battery.
 26. A light analysis system according to claim25, wherein: said battery is a 6V 7 amp/hour storage battery.
 27. Alight analysis system according to claim 25, wherein: said power switchcan be in either an open position or a closed position, and when saidpower switch is in said closed position and the apparatus is notconnected to an external power source, said battery powers saidmicrocontroller.